"Strictly speaking, I am not pushing the envelope, nor am I unwilling to cooperate with Mr. Robertson. I believe that the British official represented by Mr. Reynoldson has clearly formulated a set of extension plans in China. I know this plan, and you, Mr. Robertson, have also
I know. If it is purely a business cooperation, then no problem, your plan is perfect. But the problem is, this is by no means a pure business cooperation, your British Empire will also get more political benefits from it, isn't it?" Yuan
Su said sharply.
He knew that foreigners would never act without aim. Since such a reasonable cooperation plan was proposed, there must be another reason behind it. This reason was related to Reynoldson and the British Consulate in Jinan, who hoped to obtain the development rights of the East Zhili coastline.
The same, that is, to establish a strategic transportation hub line connecting Northeast China to contain German power in Shandong.
In other words, China can only obtain commercial benefits from this cooperation plan, while the British side can not only obtain commercial benefits, but also gain advantages in international military competition.
You must know that in order to obtain the development rights of the East Zhili coastline, Reynoldson sent armaments and provided various support, and even retained political support and a large loan amount. Now Robertson obviously has to pay the same amount
Only by providing additional gifts or providing sufficient support can Yuan Su feel balanced.
After hearing what Yuan Su said, Robertson's face changed slightly, and then he showed a weird smile and said as if he was joking: "You can't hide anything from General Yuan, you are really very calculating."
Yuan Su waved his hand and said with a smile: "You must not tease me, everyone is just getting what they need."
Robertson nodded matter-of-factly, spread his hands and said, "So, General Yuan, what else do you need us to add?"
Yuan Su immediately said: "In this plan, I hope to change the time limit of the cooperative operation from twenty years to twelve years. Of course, in exchange for the introduction of British equipment, we are willing to accept the market price. In addition, Nandaihe Seaport
In the shipyard industry, our Chinese side’s shareholding will be increased from 50% to 60%. In exchange, the Chinese side can promise to hire British people as general managers within fifteen years.”
Robertson pondered for a moment, and then said: "I have to say that your opinion is very different from the bottom line I expected. Only twenty years of operating rights can ensure that our investment can be profitable. If it is changed to twelve years, I am afraid that
It is difficult to convince other investors. For you, this cooperation does contain political significance, but for us businessmen, it is just a business after all. I hope you can reconsider."
Yuan Su smiled and asked: "What does Mr. Robertson think is the most suitable?"
Robertson said with certainty: "After fifteen years of cooperative operation, maybe I still have the possibility to convince others."
Yuan Su shook his head and said: "You misunderstood. What I mean is, what conditions are you willing to accept before changing the cooperative operation period to twelve years?"
There was only three years between the twelfth and fifteenth years, but Yuan Su knew very well what the so-called Sino-foreign joint venture model looked like. With their abundant capital, foreigners could expand their shares at will during the cooperative period, just like Kaiping
Like the mining company, China previously held more than 60% of the shares. However, the British forcibly expanded the capital and eventually squeezed out the Chinese shareholding to less than 5%.
The longer the cooperation lasts, the greater the risk. Yuan Su does not want a project that benefits the country and the people to become a cradle for foreigners to make money. Once the foreigners make too much, it will mean that the people have to pay more. By then, it will be a profit.
A cause that benefits the country and the people has become a burden to the people.
As the saying goes, long-term pain is worse than short-term pain, and the most important thing is to take back the ownership of the project as soon as possible.
Robertson sighed and said in a serious tone: "General Yuan, you also said that this cooperation plan will be beneficial to everyone. You must know that we at the British Chamber of Commerce have discussed the possibility of coming up with such a cooperation plan.
A very long time. This is not unreasonable. Even if you use other conditions in exchange, I don’t think you can convince all investors.”
Yuan Su was silent for a while, and then said in a very hesitant tone: "In this way, the cooperation plan will be modified according to what I proposed. The 12-year operating rights, 60% of the shares of Nandaihe Shipyard Company, and everything else remain unchanged.
If any investors are unwilling, let them withdraw and the remaining funds will be loaned in my personal name."
Of course Robertson knew what Yuan Su meant. Since a loan was required, there must be a mortgage. He immediately asked: "How does General Yuan plan to borrow money?"
Yuan Su said: "I am considering using the tax revenue of the two counties under the jurisdiction of Shanhaiguan as collateral, and at the same time, I can also hire British personnel to serve as local tax consultants. What do you think of this condition?"
When he was in Luanzhou, Reynoldson once proposed that British professionals serve as tax consultants, but Yuan Su did not agree at the time. This was because Luanzhou was the foundation of its development, and its economic sources must be firmly in its own hands.
Today, the situation in the two counties of Shanhaiguan Defense Zone is very different from that in Luanzhou.
On the one hand, it is because this is an important gateway and all aspects of taxation are complete. However, because Wu Chenglu and his subordinate officials were corrupt, perverted the law and did nothing, the tax administration was very chaotic. If you want to establish a systematic tax administration system as soon as possible, it is best to
The best way is not to ask foreigners to intervene. In this way, there is no need to worry about offending the local tax interest chain, and the traces of corruption can be quickly cut through. Those old bureaucrats will not dare to challenge the foreigners no matter how courageous they are.
On the other hand, a more important point is that the Shanhaiguan area is not Yuan Su's territory yet. In order to win over the foreigners in Beidaihe to the greatest extent, it will naturally require some investment.
Robertson raised his eyebrows and said slowly: "If this is the case, I think some details will have to be renegotiated. If General Yuan allows it, I hope to arrange another time for further contact."
Yuan Su nodded and said with a smile: "This is natural. In addition, there is one more thing I want to discuss with Mr. Robertson."
Robertson smiled and asked: "Oh, is there anything else?"
Yuan Su said thoughtfully: "I wonder what Mr. Robertson thinks of Wu Chenglu, the garrison envoy of Shanhaiguan?"
Robertson adjusted his sitting posture and stared at Yuan Su with a very serious look. He realized the meaning of Yuan Su's question. Even if he did not expect what Yuan Su was thinking in the beginning, he could still be in the process of connecting with Reynoldson.
I also understood some of the situation more or less. I originally thought that it would be enough for the Chinese to resolve their own affairs. Yuan Su should be sure to resolve all difficulties before he could negotiate with the British Chamber of Commerce.
"What do you mean?"
"To be honest, I need some personal help from Mr. Robertson! And I believe that the personal help you provide me will directly affect this business cooperation between you and me."
"If I guess correctly, General Yuan wants me to help you deal with General Wu, right?"
"That's right. You and I are tacitly aware of this. Wu Chenglu has always done nothing in Shanhaiguan, and he is still wary of Beidaihe. Therefore, your British Chamber of Commerce has been unable to develop in Beidaihe over the years. Of course, I I also heard that Wu Chenglu secretly opened the door to your Western countries and condoned your smuggling. However, in comparison, I believe Mr. Robertson is more looking forward to cooperating with me." Yuan Su said with a firm tone, as if It seems like this matter is already done.
"You can't say that. Our business with General Yuan is business, and our business with General Wu is also business. What's more, to a certain extent, there is no conflict between the two businesses. We are very willing to maintain simultaneous development with you both. Cooperation." Robertson smiled slyly. Before, Yuan Su proposed to modify the cooperation plan because the British side had additional interests, but now that Yuan Su hopes to get additional help, it is naturally his turn to raise the price.
"No, no, no, Mr. Robertson, don't you realize? Wu Chenglu is cooperating with all foreign businessmen in Beidaihe, but if you help me, I will be unilaterally cooperating with you, the UK. By then, the entire British businessmen in Beidaihe will get The maximum convenience will far exceed that of other countries. Isn't this tempting?" Yuan Su revealed his answer and said with a confident smile.
Robertson's expression suddenly changed, and he fell into a long period of thought.
"General Yuan, are you sure you can give such a guarantee?" After a long time, he asked slowly.
"There is no concession in Beidaihe. This is Chinese territory. If I are in charge of the local power here, then everything will be decided by me." Yuan Su made a loud and clear promise.
"With your words, I feel relieved. So, what kind of help do you want me to provide?" Robertson showed a smile and said cheerfully.
In the following conversation, Yuan Su told Robertson his plan.